Lumas Winds Wins Dorothy Parkinson Memorial Award at Harrogate Music Festival 2026

In an exciting highlight for the local music scene, the young chamber music ensemble Lumas Winds has been awarded this year's prestigious Dorothy Parkinson Memorial Award at the HACS Harrogate Music Festival. The quintet's captivating performance not only showcased their talent but also marked a significant achievement in their budding careers.

About Lumas Winds

Lumas Winds is a London-based chamber music group that has been gaining attention for their innovative approach to wind chamber music. With a diverse repertoire, they have made a name for themselves in the classical music world. Their recent performance at the festival was part of the popular Young Musicians Series held at the Wesley Centre, which aims to spotlight emerging talents in the music industry.

A Memorable Performance

The quintet delivered a mesmerizing concert that included a variety of pieces, ranging from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story to early works by Mozart, as well as contemporary compositions like Sally Beamish’s The Naming of Birds. Their ability to blend different styles and eras in one performance is a testament to their versatility and artistry.

The Award and Its Significance

The Dorothy Parkinson Memorial Award has become an important part of the Harrogate International Festivals' classical music programme since its establishment in 1982, a year after Dorothy Parkinson's passing. This award honours gifted young musicians, and previous winners have included notable names such as percussionist Evelyn Glennie and pianist Benjamin Grosvenor. Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, highlighted the importance of the award, saying, “The Dorothy Parkinson Memorial Award has become an integral part of our classical music programme, and over the past 45 years it has been won by some of the most gifted young musicians of their generation.”

Remembering Dorothy Parkinson

The award itself commemorates the extraordinary life of Dorothy Parkinson, who was born in 1909 and grew up at Bramham Park near Wetherby. She was the third daughter of Lord and Lady Bingley and developed a passion for music early on. After studying in Vienna with Arnold Rosé, the leader of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Dorothy returned to North Yorkshire, where she formed close friendships with influential figures in the music world, including Dame Fanny Waterman, the founder of the Leeds International Piano Competition.

Parkinson was not only a talented musician but also played a vital role in the Harrogate International Festivals, serving on its first board of governors after its inception in 1966 and holding the position of president twice. Her legacy continues to inspire young musicians today through this award, which recognises their potential and encourages their growth.

Presentation of the Award

Following their outstanding concert, Lumas Winds was presented with the award by Emily Scrope, Dorothy Parkinson's granddaughter. This moment was not only a celebration of the quintet's achievements but also a heartfelt connection to the history of the award and the legacy of its namesake.